As Joker: Folie à Deux premieres in theaters, we’re taking a deep dive into the movies’ reviews and seeing how critics feel about the sequel compared to the original 2019 Joker

As Joker: Folie à Deux finally debuts in theaters, we’re seeing how the newly released sequel is vying with movie critics compared to the original 2019 Joker movie.

On October 4 the highly anticipated dark drama musical Joker: Folie à Deux starring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix premiered on the big screen. The sequel, directed by Todd Phillips, is a musical fantasy that follows Arthur Fleck known as The Joker and Harley Quinn as they fall in love at Gotham City’s Arkham Asylum. The movie is based on the original comic series, during which the couple are notoriously known for their toxic and romantic relationship.

While movie-goers haven’t had a chance to weigh in yet, movie critics who were given early access admission to the film have already taken to Rotten Tomatoes granting the film a 40% rating. This comes as the original Joker was granted an impressive score of 69% percent. And as the reviews continue to roll in, we’re taking a closer look at what viewers are saying about each.

Joker: Folie à Deux receives scathing reviews from critics

Joker: Folie à Deux has so far reeled in a total score of 40% among critics with an overall 5.20 out of 10. And while there were a range of reviews for the film, the overall consensus seemed to be that many were disappointed in the lack of message or meaning connected to the film compared to the original.

For the professional movie critics, one expert wrote: “There’s always a joker, there’s always a clown — but if he doesn’t morph into something bigger and bolder and more terrible, it starts to feel like we’ve seen this show before, only without the musical numbers.”

And another shared a similar sentiment as they said: “Writer-director Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver obviously had no idea what kind of movie they were trying to make. ‘Joker’ had something to say to the world; ‘Folie à Deux’ just seems to be muttering and warbling incoherently to itself.” While a third added: “The Joker character has been approached in many different ways, but this is the oddest yet.”

Many agreed they preferred the original over the sequel ( Image: WARNER BROS)

And while the negative reviews seemed to largely outweigh the good, there were a few positive reviews sprinkled in the mix. One pleased fan wrote: “Visually stunning movie with a very strong message not many will understand at first. Both Gaga and Joaquin did an amazing job showcasing their characters and their true colors.”

And another raved: “Exactly what I expected and beyond! I usually don’t appreciate musicals but this one was great as the songs really served the scenario.” And a third added: “This is an excellent sequel that surprises at every moment. The look of the film is not embarrassing and even feels like a painter’s masterpiece. Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn is a perfect casting, she plays so believably and well.”

Original Joker showered in praise

The Joker was given a 69% overall rating on Rotten Tomatoes ( Image: Niko Tavernise)

Unlike Joker: Folie à Deux, the original 2019 Joker, also starring Joaquin Phoenix, was met with rave reviews from movie-goers with many showering the film in praise for its brilliance. On Rotten Tomatoes, the Joker was overall given a 69% rating with a total of 7.3 out of 10.

One movie-goer wrote: “One of the best movies I’ve seen. Just rewatched it and it’s so much better than its sequel.” And another added: “This movie gave it more realistic and detailed interpretation of how joker went through trauma after trauma, and then became the Joker. Great acting as well!”

While a third chimed in: “Wow, what can I say Joaquin Phoenix impresses. Totally different take on the Joker. Speaks so much about what is wrong with our society.” And someone else wrote: “How in the f— did this movie only get 69%? It’s literally one of the best ‘comic book’ movies ever made!… and it’s not even a traditional comic book movie either! It took itself super seriously but didn’t go overboard in the process either.” And another simply said: “10/10 Outstanding movie with a haunting performance and best character development ever seen.”